Ill. hunger strike sends one to hospital
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - One member of a small group of Illinoisans who have pledged not to eat until May 31 to protest state budget cuts went to the hospital this morning after the Capitol’s on-duty nurse found her blood pressure was high and her heartbeat erratic.
Mahaley Somerville, 87, is in stable condition with doctors pumping fluids into her, said Margaret Jackson, a fellow hunger striker. Somerville hopes to return to support the cause but probably will not be permitted to go without food.
Jackson said Somerville noted fatigue while walking around yesterday and earlier this morning so they decided to have her checked by the nurse.
The group, Hungry for Justice, is on its third day of striking and lobbying lawmakers to reject budget cuts, especially those that affect healthcare and human services.
